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How can I back up my song ratings (0-5 stars) in iTunes? In what file(s) are they stored?

Options Keep iTunes Media folder organized and Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library are both unchecked in my case

fixer1234
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Siim K
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1 Answers1

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Song star ratings are stored in the iTunes library database file.

Usually (for Windows vista/7):

C:\Users\Case\Music\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl

also a good idea is to backup the xml file. This is the file iTunes reads if the database get corrupted

C:\Users\Case\Music\iTunes\iTunes Music Library.xml

note if you want to transfer songs/star ratings from one computer to another, change the drive your music is on, or reformat your computer; you probably want to read this article about how the .itl and .xml files work.

Hemi
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    Thanks. I also found a way to store ratings using ID tags in the audio files themselves if something messes up the library db - in the comment field I marked ratings as 1/5 ... 5/5. Then created a new smart playlist where Comments contain "/5". It's then possible to sort by comments and re-create also the iTunes stars. – Siim K Nov 29 '10 at 09:56
  • great idea, i might do this too! – Hemi Dec 01 '10 at 03:52